Christmas at Wakefield District Markets
The festive season is almost here. So, it's the perfect time to shop local for your Christmas essentials.
From gifts to stocking fillers, festive food to treats, Christmas shopping is a must this time of year. And Wakefield District Markets has you covered.
Get Your Skates On
16 to 23 November at Castleford Indoor Market
- Monday: 10am to 4pm
- Tuesday: 10am to 4pm
- Wednesday: 10am to 1pm
- Thursday: 10am to 4pm
- Friday: 10am to 4pm
- Saturday: 9am to 4pm
This November, Castleford will become a winter wonderland. We're thrilled to bring you a magical ice skating rink - for one week only!
Gather your family, all ages are welcome! Bundle up in your warmest scarves and gloves. Get ready to glide, spin, and laugh on the rink for a memorable festive experience!
The best part? Skating is completely free, so there’s no excuse not to join in the fun!
*Funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF)
Skate sessions are 20 minutes long and cannot be pre-booked. Just turn up and join the first available session.
Come for the skating. Stay for the holiday cheer. Snap some photos to capture the magic, and tag us on your socials #WFfestivemarkets.
Make this Christmas one to remember in Castleford - see you on the ice!
Light Up… 2024
- 15 to 17 November at Wakefield
- 19 November at Castleford
- 24 November at Pontefract
- 30 November at Ossett
This year's Light Up is part of Our Year 2024. It is a year-long program of amazing shows, unique festivals, and community events. They celebrate all that Wakefield district has to offer.
For more information about Light Up 2024 on Experience Wakefield.
Continental Street Market
- 14 to 17 November at Beastfair, Pontefract
- 21 to 24 November at Carlton Street
The Continental Street Market is back by popular demand. It's making its third visit to Castleford this year. Each time the event gets bigger and better, and this time will be no different. The market will be Carlton Street at the end of November, between 10am to 6pm each day.
The Continental Street Market is also coming to Pontefract this November. Bringing a taste of Christmas to the district. Expect mulled wine, hot chocolate, and global festive gifts and treats.
This winter, visitors can taste warmer climates in Castleford and Pontefract. Over 25 independent vendors will serve up a tasty mix of global cuisines and more.
Elf School 2024
30 November to 21 December
The school bell is jingling at Castleford and Pontefract Markets!
Our Elf School, led by Santa's Helpers, is coming to Wakefield. They will offer Christmas crafts for the whole family this winter.
Join us for Elf School activity sessions and receive your Elf School certificate.
Enrol your children in these free festive activities. They aim to bring smiles and holiday cheer to all. All materials will be provided, just bring your enthusiasm and Christmas spirit!
Each session will last approximately 30 minutes, our online booking form will be available soon!
Week 1: 30 November, 10am to 3pm
Castleford Market
Join us for the first of our free Elf School activity sessions. Choose your elf name and design your name badge, make a Christmas countdown calendar and a paper Christmas wreath.
Week 2: 7 December, 10am to 3pm
Castleford Market
Come along and decorate your own wooden Christmas bauble and a gift bag for someone special. Create your own ‘reindeer food’ in its special bag ready for Santa’s visit.
Week 3: 14 December, 10am to 3pm
Pontefract Market
Elf School visits Pontefract today where you can create a Christmas sand art picture You can also finish your letter to Santa and make your own Santa Searcher binoculars for spotting the man himself!
Week 4: 21 December, 10am to 3pm
Castleford Market
As we countdown to Christmas, join our final Elf School session. We will be making snowmen Christmas cards, snowflake decorations and snow slime.
Count down to Christmas with free festive entertainment at Wakefield District Markets
Castleford Market
30 November, 10am to 3pm
- Elf School
- face painting
- performances of 'Tap it and unwrap it' from Fairly Famous Family
- Markets 2024 colouring competition
6 December, 9am to 12pm
Time for Tea - A chance for older people to gather in open areas they already visit. They can enjoy refreshments at this informal drop-in event. This gives passers-by a chance to engage, feeling comfortable and safe. No doors to open, no closed rooms!
7 December, 10am to 3pm
- Elf school
- face painting
- performances from the Castleford Singers (10:30 to 11am only)
- performances of 'Man in a Christmas present' from Fool's Paradise
- Christmas photobooth
- Markets 2024 colouring competition
14 December
- KLH Makers Market
- performances from Lucy's Pop Choir (2 to 3pm only)
- Markets 2024 colouring competition
17 December, 10:30am to 12pm
Christmas songs with Glasshoughton Infants School
21 December, 10am to 3pm
- Elf School
- face painting
- Christmas photobooth
- performances from the National Elf Service and Lairy Fairy’s dancing Christmas tree from Fool's Paradise
- real life reindeers (outside)
- Markets 2024 colouring competition
South Elmsall Market
30 November, 10am to 3pm
Markets 2024 colouring competition
3 December, 10:30am to 12pm
Christmas songs with Ash Grove School
7 December, 10am to 3pm
Markets 2024 colouring competition
10 December, 10:30am to 12pm
Christmas songs with Ash Grove School
13 December, 10:30am to 12pm
Christmas songs with St Joseph’s School
14 December, 10am to 2pm
- Festive games at the Market
- Christmas songs with Simon Walker
- Markets 2024 colouring competition
21 December, 10am to 3pm
Markets 2024 colouring competition
Wakefield Market
30 November, 10am to 3pm
Markets 2024 colouring competition
7 December, 10am to 2pm
- Christmas songs with Simon Walker
- Markets 2024 colouring competition
14 December, 10am to 3pm
Markets 2024 colouring competition
21 December, 10am to 3pm
Markets 2024 colouring competition
Normanton Market
30 November, 10am to 3pm
Markets 2024 colouring competition
7 December, 10am to 3pm
Markets 2024 colouring competition
14 December, 10am to 3pm
Markets 2024 colouring competition
21 December, 10am to 2pm
- Christmas songs with Simon Walker
- Markets 2024 colouring competition
Pontefract Market
30 November, 10am to 3pm
Markets 2024 colouring competition
7 December, 10am to 3pm
Markets 2024 colouring competition
14 December, 10am to 3pm
- Elf School
- Markets 2024 colouring competition
21 December, 10am to 3pm
Markets 2024 colouring competition
Ossett Market
30 November, 10am to 3pm
Markets 2024 colouring competition
3 December, 11am to 12pm
Crafts with Ossett Library
7 December, 10am to 3pm
Markets 2024 colouring competition
10 December, 11am to 12pm
Crafts with Ossett Library
14 December, 10am to 3pm
- Elf School
- Markets 2024 colouring competition
17 December, 11am to 12pm
Crafts with Ossett Library
21 December, 10am to 3pm
Markets 2024 colouring competition
Markets 2024 festive colouring competition
Each Saturday throughout the festive season, families are encouraged to take a break from their festive shopping and pop into your local market to do some Christmas colouring.
Sheets must be submitted before the Market closes each Saturday and one winner from each market will be chosen and announced on the 23 December. The six winners will all be presented with a gift hamper.
Please ensure you include your name and contact details (and any allergies) are written on the back!
Pontefract Lantern Festival
1 to 16 November - Pontefract Market
The Pontefract Lantern Festival has returned this year, much to everyone's delight. It is run by the Castleford and Pontefract District Lions Club and Pontefract Civic Society. And the lanterns are on display in Pontefract this November.
People from all over the district attended free workshops in September and October.
The public can now see the lanterns in Pontefract Indoor Market and vote!
*Normal opening hours
There are three age categories: up to 10 years, 11-17 years and 18+ years. The winner of each category will receive a £50 voucher.
Keep an eye on this page for more updates over the coming weeks.